[Nick Soulis]

Series #91



1980 Kansas City Royals
Record: 97-65
Finish" Lost in WS
Manager: Jim Frey
Ball Park: Royals Stadium
WAR Leader: George Brett (9.4)
Franchise Record: 3-1
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/1980.shtml

1948 Washington Senators
Record: 56-97
Finish: 7th in AL
Manager: Joe Kuhel
Ball Park: Griffith Stadium
WAR Leader: Ray Scarbourough (5.3)
Franchise Record: 2-7
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSH/1948.shtml
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Magnificent Brett Leads Royals
Six Game Series Win Against Overmatched Senators



Game 1
At Royals Stadium
1948 Washington Senators 8
1980 Kanasa City Royals 10
WP: M. Pattin (1-0) LP: R. Scarborough (0-1) S: D. Quissenberry (1)
HR: J. Early (1), M. Vernon 2 (2), S. Robertson (1)
POG: Willie Wilson (4-4, 3 R, SB)
1980 Royals Lead Series 1-0

In a clash of baseball generations, the 1980 Kansas City Royals emerged victorious over the 1948 Washington Senators in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series at Royals Stadium. The Royals secured a hard-fought 10-8 win thanks to a standout performance from left fielder Willie Wilson, who went 4-for-4 with four singles and a walk, scoring three crucial runs. Despite a strong offensive showing from the Senators, highlighted by multiple home runs from Mickey Vernon and Steve Robertson, it was not enough to overcome the relentless attack of the Royals. Clint Hurdle also contributed significantly for the Royals, going 3-for-5 with three singles and a run-scoring hit. With the win, the 1980 Royals take a 1-0 series lead, setting the stage for an intense battle in Game 2.

Game 2
At Royals Stadium
1948 Washington Senators 9
1980 Kanasa City Royals 1
WP: W. Masterson (1-0) LP: D. Leonard (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Walt Masterson (7.2 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 121 P)
Series Tied 1-1

In a decisive Game 2 of the Series #91 showdown, the 1948 Washington Senators showcased their resilience, securing a commanding 9-1 victory over the 1980 Kansas City Royals at Royals Stadium. Walt Masterson led the charge for the Senators with a stellar performance on the mound, pitching 7.2 innings and allowing just one run. Junior Wooten provided offensive fireworks for Washington with a key run-scoring triple in the fifth inning, while Mickey Vernon contributed with a triple of his own and three RBIs. The Senators capitalized on their offensive opportunities, taking advantage of multiple errors from the Royals to even the series at 1-1. With the series now tied, the stage is set for an intense Game 3 at Griffith Stadium in Washington.

Game 3
At Griffith Stadium
1980 Kanasa City Royals 8
1948 Washington Senators 7
WP: P. Splittorff LP: D. Weik (0-1) S; D. Quissenberry (2)
HR: D. Porter (1)
POG: Willie Aikens (4-5, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R)
1980 Royals Lead Series 2-1

In a tightly contested Game 3 of the Series #91, the 1980 Kansas City Royals managed to edge out the 1948 Washington Senators with an 8-7 victory at Griffith Stadium. Royals' first baseman Willie Aikens led the offensive charge, going 4-5 with a double and three singles, while driving in three crucial runs. Despite a valiant effort from the Senators, including a 4-hit performance from third baseman George Brett, the Royals held on to secure the win and take a 2-1 series lead. A pivotal moment came in the top of the eighth inning when Brett delivered a clutch run-scoring single off Washington pitcher Dick Weik, ultimately propelling the Royals to victory. With the series now shifting back to Washington, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be another intense battle in Game 4.

Game 4
At Griffith Stadium
1980 Kanasa City Royals 5
1948 Washington Senators 3
WP: B. Paschall (1-0) LP: D. Weik (0-2) S: D. Quissenberry (3)
HR: None
POG: George Brett (4-5, 2 2B, 2 R)
1980 Royals Lead Series 3-1

In a pivotal Game 4 at Griffith Stadium 1952-1953, the 1980 Kansas City Royals moved within striking distance of clinching Series #91 with a 5-3 victory over the 1948 Washington Senators. George Brett once again proved to be instrumental for the Royals, delivering a stellar 4-for-5 performance with two doubles and two singles, driving in two runs. With the game tied in the eighth inning, Willie Wilson's groundout plated the go-ahead run for Kansas City, propelling them to the brink of a series triumph. Despite a late push from the Senators, the Royals' pitching held firm, securing the win and putting them one victory away from championship glory. As the series heads into Game 5, Kansas City looks to seal the deal and celebrate their hard-fought victory.

Game 5
At Griffith Stadium
1980 Kanasa City Royals 3
1948 Washington Senators 4
WP: R. Scarborough (1-1) LP: L. Gura (0-1) S: T. Ferrick (1)
HR: E. Yost (1)
POG: Ray Scarborough (8.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 127 P)
1980 Royals Lead Series 3-2

In a tense Game 5 at Griffith Stadium, the 1948 Washington Senators managed to stave off elimination with a narrow 4-3 victory over the 1980 Kansas City Royals. Ray Scarborough took the mound for the Senators and delivered a masterful performance, holding the Royals to just 2 runs over 8.2 innings. Eddie Yost emerged as the hero for Washington, blasting a crucial two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to give his team the lead. Despite a late rally from the Royals, including a ninth-inning triple from pinch hitter Amos Otis, the Senators held on to force the series back to Kansas City for Game 6, keeping their championship hopes alive.

Game 6
At Royals Stadium
1948 Washington Senators 6
1980 Kanasa City Royals 10
WP: D. Leonard (1-1) LP: W. Masterson (1-1) S: M. Pattin (1)
HR: A. Evans (1), T. McBride (1), G. Brett (1)
POG: UL Washington (2-2, 3B, 2 R)

In a decisive Game 6 at Royals Stadium, the 1980 Kansas City Royals secured the series win with a commanding 10-6 victory over the 1948 Washington Senators. The Royals showcased their all-around strength, with notable contributions from every aspect of the game. Led by manager Jim Frey, the Royals emphasized the importance of teamwork throughout the series, and it paid off handsomely in their historic victory. Despite a valiant effort from the Senators, including key hits from players like T. McBride and A. Evans, the Royals' potent offense, led by standout performances from G. Brett and W. Wilson, proved too much to handle. As the final out was recorded, jubilation erupted in Kansas City, with plans for a grand celebration already in motion. Manager Joe Kuhel of the Senators graciously conceded defeat, acknowledging the Royals' well-deserved victory and expressing his hopes for a joyous celebration in Kansas City.

1980 Kansas City Royals Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(15/28, .536, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R, 4 2B, .786 SLG, 1 SB)